20 Songs About Karma

Karma is a concept that describes the cycle of cause and effect. The idea is that our actions have consequences, both good and bad, which shape our future. It is often portrayed as a kind of cosmic justice system, but it can also mean other things, especially in music.

There are many songs that have been written about karma, both from a positive and negative perspective. Some songs celebrate the idea of cosmic justice, while others warn against the dangers of being too comfortable with the status quo. Here are just a few of the many songs about karma.

1. “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club

First on the list is Karma Chameleon by Culture Club. This song is about how our actions have consequences, and how we should be careful about what we do because it can come back to bite us.

The lyrics talk about how we are all karma chameleons, changing our colors to suit our situation. It’s a classic track released in 1983 for the Colour by Numbers album.

2. “Happy Karma Christmas” by Sufjan Stevens

The next song is Happy Karma Christmas by Sufjan Stevens. This song is about the idea of karma as a kind of cosmic justice.

The lyrics talk about how we should be careful about the things we do because they will come back to us, either in this life or the next. It’s a beautiful track that you can find on his Silver & Gold album.

3. “Karma Police” by Radiohead

Radiohead is a British rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. Their song “Karma Police” is from their album OK Computer.

The lyrics of the song are about a person who is being chased by the “Karma Police”, meaning someone who is being punished for their bad deeds. It was featured on the movie, “Jurassic World: Dominion”.

4. “Bad Karma” by Drake

This next song is by Canadian rapper, Drake. “Bad Karma” is about a person who has done something bad and is now being punished for it.

He talks about how he knows that what goes around comes around, and how he’s not sorry for what he’s done. You can stream the song on all music platforms out there.

5. “Karma” by Alicia Keys

“Karma” is a song by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. It was released as a single from her 2nd studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys.

The lyrics of the song are about how what goes around comes around, and how people should be careful about the things they do because they will eventually have to face the consequences. This hit song received various awards and nominations, making it one of her most popular tracks.

6. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood

This next song is by American country singer Carrie Underwood. “Before He Cheats” is about a woman who catches her husband cheating on her and decides to take revenge by vandalizing his car. The song was a huge commercial success with almost 150 million views on Youtube.

7. “Instant Karma” by John Lennon

John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” is a song about how what goes around comes around, and how people should treat others the way they want to be treated.

The song was released as a single in 1970 and became an instant hit. It has been covered by various artists over the years, including U2 and Brandon Flowers.

8. “Karma” by Opeth

Another song entitled “Karma” comes from the Swedish metal band Opeth. In this song, the narrator reflects on a past relationship and how the person they wronged is now getting revenge.

The lyrics suggest that the speaker believes they deserve the karma they are receiving.  It was released in 1998 for the My Arms, Your Hearse album.

9. “You get what you give” by New Radicals

The next track on our list is the 90s hit “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals. This song is all about how what goes around, comes around.

The lyrics talk about how if you’re good to people, they’ll be good to you and vice versa.  It was released in 1998 for the album, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too.

10. “Karma” by Jessica Andrews

Jessica Andrews’ career began when she was discovered at a county fair by singer-songwriter Harlan Howard. “Karma” is one of the tracks on her Who I Am album in 2001.

This now has over 400k views on Youtube and can be streamed on all music platforms out there. If you’re looking for a country tune about Karma, Jessica Andrews has got you covered.

11. “What Goes Around… Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake

Next on the list is Justin Timberlake with his song “What Goes Around… Comes Around.” This was Timberlake’s second single off his FutureSex/LoveSounds album in 2006.

The music video for this song won multiple awards including a Grammy. You can listen to it on all major music platforms out there.

12. “Outrunning Karma” by Alec Benjamin

Alec Benjamin’s “Outrunning Karma” is a more recent tune on the list. It was released in 2018 and is currently one of his most popular songs with over 15 million streams on Youtube.

This indie-pop song is about a relationship that didn’t work out and the person he was with moving on quickly. If you’re in need of a sad, yet relatable song about karma, Alec Benjamin has got you covered.

13. “Karma’s Pavement Plan” by Modest Mouse

The next song on the list is “Karma’s Pavement Plan” by Modest Mouse. This song is off their The Fruit That Ate Itself album which was released in 1997.

“Karma’s Pavement Plan” is a slower tune compared to the other songs on this list, but it’s still a great listen. You can find it on Youtube if you want to give it a listen.

14. “Bad Blood” by Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift

“Bad Blood” is a song by Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift. It was released in 2014 and is one of the most popular songs on this list.

The song is about a former friend of Swift’s who betrayed her. This controversial track is sure to get you thinking about karma. This now has a whopping 1.5 billion views on Youtube!

15. “Karma Killer” by Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams’ “Karma Killer” is next on the list. This song was released in 1999 and can be found on his The Ego Has Landed album.

“Karma Killer” is a catchy tune that’s sure to get stuck in your head. You can find it on all major music platforms out there.

16. “Only a Matter of Time” by Joshua Bassett

Next on the list is a song by Joshua Bassett called “Only a Matter of Time.” This is a more recent track, having been released in 2021.

The lyrics to this song express the idea that, no matter what we do in life, eventually Karma will come back to us. This is one of the popular tracks under his self-titled album.

17. “Karma” by Queen Naija

Queen Naija’s “Karma” is a slower track that was released in 2018. This song reflects on a past relationship and how the person who wronged her is now experiencing pain and heartache.

The lyrics remind us that what goes around, indeed, comes around. You can find it on her “Karma” by Queen Naija album.

18. “Karma” by AJR

“Karma” by AJR is an upbeat song that was released in 2019. The lyrics to this tune talk about how we should be careful with the things we do and say because Karma has a way of coming back around.

This track is from their Neotheater album. It one of their most popular tracks with over 10 million views on Youtube.

19. “Make It Bleed” by Whitechapel

“Make It Bleed” by Whitechapel is a metal song with a heavier sound. The lyrics to this track express the idea that we all make mistakes and that, ultimately, we will all bleed and die.

This song is from their self-titled album. It was released in 2012 and can be streamed in all music platforms out there.

20. “Over My Head” by Alabama Shakes

Finishing up the list is “Over My Head” by Alabama Shakes. This song has a more classic rock sound and was released in 2015.

The lyrics talk about how we can sometimes get in over our heads with the choices we make. But, in the end, it’s up to us to learn from our mistakes. You can find this track on the  Sound & Color album.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the songs out there that talk about Karma. There are many more artists and tracks that explore this topic. So, if you’re interested in learning more about Karma, or just want to listen to some good music, be sure to check out these tunes. Thanks for reading!